Pro*vi"so (?), n.; pl. Provisos (#). [L., (it) being provided, abl. of provisus, p. p. of providere. See Provide, and cf. Purview.]
An article or clause in any statute, agreement, contract, grant, or other writing, by which a condition is introduced, usually beginning with the word provided; a conditional stipulation that affects an agreement, contract, law, grant, or the like;
as, the contract was impaired by its proviso.
He doth deny his prisoners,
But with proviso and exception.
Shak.
© Webster 1913.